Bajrang Dal attacks two theatres screening ‘PK’ in Ahmedabad

Demanding a ban on Aamir Khan-starrer ‘PK’ for hurting Hindu sentiments, Bajrang Dal activists attacked two theatres in the city opposing screening of the Bollywood film.

At least 20 members of the right-wing organisation, led by city unit chief Jwalit Mehta, targeted City Gold and Shiv theatres on Ashram Road this morning and smashed ticket windows and tore off posters of the film.

The film, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, is a satirical take on godmen and superstition.

Policemen from Navrangpura station along with Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-1) Virendrasinh Yadav rushed to the spot, but the attackers had fled before that, police said.

“We are yet to identify the persons behind these attacks, which took place around 10 am. We learnt that miscreants vandalised the ticket windows of both these theatres. We are now collecting CCTV footages to identify the persons,” said Yadav.

However, Bajrang Dal owned up the attack and warned other theatres screening the film.

“Around 15 to 20 of our members went to these theatres, which are screening Aamir’s film ‘PK’. I am warning other theatres to stop the screening, otherwise we will intensify our protest in the city in the coming days,” said Mehta.

He alleged that Aamir Khan had “hurt the religious sentiments” of Hindus by making fun of Hindu gods and devotees in the film.

“If his intention was right, then why the movie did not showcase anything about his own religion? Yesterday, I called majority of theatre owners and asked them to stop the screening. But they indirectly refused,” said Mehta.